information on syrinx please

To whom, at 18 I had optical neurosis in both eyes and with other symptoms it was thought I had MS. I am now 48 and over the years have suffered chronic fatigue and permanent nubness in right hand and foot. I have had a recent MRI scan of my brain and neck that shows a 4th legion in the brain and since my last scan a year ago a syrinx in my spine between 5th and 6th disc due to a protruding disc that has got worse. I have now today been told that the legions do not look like ms at all and the syrinx would be due to degenerate damage and if I get numb arms and legs or pins and kneedles I should go to the emergency dept and probably get a shunt put in. I do not remember ever having an accident on my neck. I am confused about my diagnosis and wondered if indeed syrinx can be the result of older age with a protruding disc protruding more?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Syrinx can form in the spinal cord due to spinal cord injury, blockade of CSF, spinal cord necrosis, hemorrhage, spinal cord abscess and degenerative disease of the spinal cord.
With age there occur degenerative changes in the spinal cord which can result in disc protrusion and later on formation of syrinx due to cavity formation.
http://www.emedicine.com/NEURO/topic359.htm
Hope this helps!

[rodger308]

Thankyou, does this cause too much problem as it progressess? Is the prognosis ok?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Yes if it progresses and the syrinx increases in size it can put pressure on he spinal cord and can even result in permanent damage to the cord. The earlier the surgery is done and pressure is released from the spinal cord the better it is and chances of recovery are high.
Please consult your neurologist as soon as you can. Take care!